United States Defends Solheim Cup with Five Point Win over Europe

The United States retained the Solheim Cup after clinching a convincing 16½-11½ win over Europe at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa. Photo: AP / Charlie Neibergall

The United States retained the Solheim Cup after clinching a convincing 16½-11½ win over Europe at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa.

The hosts went into Sunday’s singles matches with a commanding 10½-5½ lead and needed just 3½ points to maintain their grip on the title.

Lexi Thompson fought back from four down to snatch a half against Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist in a memorable opening contest before Paula Creamer claimed a one-up win against England’s Georgia Hall and Cristie Kerr beat Melissa Reid, also of England, 2&1.

Angel Yin secured a half-point from her meeting with France’s Karine Icher to put Juli Inkster’s team on the brink of victory and the triumph was sealed thanks to Lizette Salas’ one-up success over Jodi Ewart Shadoff of England.

“To secure the point that wins us the Solheim Cup is unbelievable,” Salas was reported as saying by BBC Sport.

“My hands were shaking.

“This is really special.”

America’s other two points today came courtesy of wins for Gerina Piller and Danielle Kang.

England’s Charley Hull finished one-up against Brittany Lang and there were also victories for Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, 4&3 against Brittany Lincicome, and Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom, 3&2 at the expense of Austin Ernst.

“The Europeans fought hard today and made it really close,” Inkster was reported as saying by BBC Sport.

“I really haven’t been nervous all week but today I was a little bit.

“It’s an honor to captain this team and I’m really proud of the girls.”

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